Sunday morning in worship, it came time for the contribution and 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 was read.
“Now this I say, he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully. Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.”
Most of the time when that group of scripture is read at the time of our giving, the reader will stop with the “God loves a cheerful giver” part. I was so glad that this time verse 8 was included because I believe that the point of this passage is to remind us that God blesses us with material possessions so that we have an abundance for every good deed. Paul continues this point in verses 10 and 11 with “…and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God.” God has promised to take care of our every day needs (Matthew 6:25-32) and has over and abundantly done that in our lives. But do we remember that our material blessings are given to us to share with others? We continually work for more money and then we go buy more material possessions. When was the last time you had people in your home? Or did you just fix it up for you to enjoy? When was the last time you made a meal to share with another family?
Continuing on, 2 Corinthians 9:13 reminds us that our material possessions are to be used for the purpose of doing for others so that God is glorified. Do you watch for ways to touch the lives of those around you that are lost? You can first touch them by sharing from the material blessings that God has so generously given you. People are more open to the gospel when they feel cared about. Being a cheerful giver means understanding that God didn’t bless you so that you are rich but so that you are richly equipped to serve. Be a cheerful giver this week!
* Editor’s note: There are some excellent podcasts available on the Parker church of Christ site. Be sure to download a few and listen (click here).
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- Prayer: Trusting God To Work in Our Lives - January 7, 2016
Welcome! We are so glad you stopped by. Come Fill Your Cup is a group of Christian ladies dedicated to equipping women for study and service. We know you are busy and that life’s hectic pace pulls you in so many directions, but you can’t truly be the woman God desires unless you take time to fill your own cup…not with spa days (though we love a good spa!) or the latest novel…but with God’s Holy Word. We want to help you with that! Our goal is to reach you in the midst of your busy day and give you encouragement, education, and fellowship as you strive to live the life God has laid before you. Our prayer is that we can help fill your cup so that you, in turn, can overflow to all those around you. So, as we like to say…come fill your cup, and let it overflow!
What lovely words, Sister! I love your second to the last sentence! Just what God wants us to remember, “God didn’t bless you so that you are rich, but so that you are richly equipped to serve.”
Thank you for taking the time to share God’s word and your’s of encouragement!
Love,
Debbie
Great reminder! I love to grow flowers, and a few weeks ago I realized that I had not brought a bouquet to anyone for several months. Nothing that we have is for our sole enjoyment, it is all for the glory of our Creator.
I love this – and you!
Would you mind if I put this in our church bulletin? Very well said!
Feel free to use it! We are so thankful you enjoyed the post:)